A Basic Guide to Motor Accident Compensation Claims

Due to convergent social and economic factors, modern society is fully mobile. Emergent technologies have cut transcontinental travel speed from months to hours. Likewise, sophisticated electronic gadgetry found only in sci-fi novels a generation ago are now standard integrations in new autos.

Despite huge benefits, a big detriment of exponential ability to get around quickly is correspondingly higher risk of severe injury and death on highways and byways. Below is a summarized outline of motor accident compensation claims.

Dual classifications of car accident claims

There are two basic types of motor accident damage claims: property and personal injury. Like the label implies, the first applies to property that is damaged or destroyed in an auto accident. While the most common kind of property claim involves vehicular damage, any possession that is lost or damaged may be covered.

For instance, an associate lost control of her minivan just after turning a street corner on the way home and skid into her neighbor's yard last. The neighbor filed a claim with the auto insurance carrier for the cost of replacing her chain link fence, while the local municipality filed a claim for replacement cost of a fire hydrant that was totally excavated from the ground in front of the neighbor's home.

Most common motor accident personal injury claims

High-speed movement while confined inside a metallic box weighing a few tons poses major safety hazards for all occupants, including serious injury and even death. In fact, bodily harm can be severe enough to cause permanent total paralysis, loss of limbs, or broken bones that never heal properly.

Moreover, traumatized delicate muscles or tendons often causes long-term adverse impacts like lifelong migraine headaches. Such injuries can mean temporary or permanent inability to earn a livelihood in one's chosen profession or career. Occupational retraining and specialized medical equipment to accommodate mobility impairment are expensive. Continuing medical care or physical therapy are also cost prohibitive, and even short-term injuries often mean lost wages, medical bills and travel costs to obtain treatment.

Of course, an auto accident victim's wrongful death has enormous devastating effects on loved ones left behind to cope with severe grief and emotional distress. Not to mention medical and funeral bills as well as loss of the family breadwinner's income.

Distrust the obvious

Regardless of how minor injuries may seem or even if you appear to be uninjured, always seek medical attention promptly after an auto accident. Many injuries begin with mild symptoms that rapidly deteriorate to reveal serious medical conditions. Next, consult an experienced motor accident attorney for accurate legal advice and competent representation. This is critical to protect your legal right to receive full and fair compensation for all damages caused by third-party negligence. Applicable laws change frequently and impose strict deadlines on motor accident damage claims.

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Dr. Aleathea Wiggins is a freelance writer specializing in health, parenting, and family issues. She is a former university professor, curriculum facilitator, and teacher. Dr. Wiggins holds degrees and credentials in journalism, education, health, and childcare administration. Her articles appear on numerous websites including Ehow Parenting and Global Post Education. Read more articles by Dr. Wiggins at http://www.examiner.com/health-in-national/dr-aleathea-wiggins